National School Lunch Week, 2006

Proclamation 8064 of October 5, 2006

National School Lunch Week, 2006

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

For 60 years, the National School Lunch Program has
contributed to the health and well-being of America's
youth. National School Lunch Week highlights the many
achievements of the National School Lunch Program and
the importance of helping children develop good
nutrition habits.

Eating healthy foods and maintaining an active
lifestyle are vital for children's health and reduce
their risk of serious long-term health problems, such
as obesity, asthma, and diabetes. The National School
Lunch Program, part of the United States Department of
Agriculture (USDA), provides more than 29 million
children with healthy meals each day. The program
raises awareness about the importance of good food
choices and trains food service professionals to
prepare nutritious breakfasts, lunches, and snacks that
include foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. In
addition, the USDA offers educational resources for
school nutrition directors, managers, and staff based
on the requirements for healthy school meals
established in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. By
promoting good nutrition and exercise, schools can help
children develop well-balanced diets and lead healthier
lives.

During National School Lunch Week, we recognize
dedicated parents, school officials, community leaders,
and food service professionals for their efforts to
ensure that our children are provided with nutritious
meals each day.

In recognition of the contributions of the National
School Lunch Program to the health, education, and
well-being of America's children, the Congress, by
joint resolution of October 9, 1962 (Public Law 87-
780), as amended, has designated the week beginning on
the second Sunday in October of each year as ``National
School Lunch Week,'' and has requested the President to
issue a proclamation in observance of this week.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the
United States of America, do hereby proclaim the week
of October 8 through October 14, 2006, as National
School Lunch Week. I call upon all Americans to join
the dedicated individuals who administer the National
School Lunch Program in appropriate activities that
support the health and well-being of our Nation's
children.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
fifth day of October, in the year of our Lord two
thousand six, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-first.